Need help with your Temporary Graduate Visa? Book a telephonic consultation with our MARA-registered agents (Reg# 2217775).
What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
Post-Study Work Stream
For graduates with Bachelor, Masters, or PhD qualifications from an Australian institution. No occupation requirement applies. Available to first-time Australian graduates only, with stay periods varying by qualification level.
Graduate Work Stream
For graduates whose skills are closely related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. Valid for 18 months and requires a skills assessment. Suitable for trade graduates and diploma-level qualifications.
Multiple Entry Permitted
The Subclass 485 visa allows multiple entries to Australia during the visa period. You can travel in and out of the country freely while the visa remains valid.
Pathway to PR
The 485 visa provides valuable Australian work experience that strengthens skilled migration applications. It serves as a key bridge to permanent residency through pathways such as Subclass 189, 190, or 491.
Who Is Eligible?
Recent Australian Graduate
Must have completed a CRICOS-registered course meeting the minimum 92-week and 16-calendar-month Australian Study Requirement. Application must be lodged within the required timeframe after course completion.
Under Age 50
Applicants must be under 50 years of age at the time of application. This age requirement applies across all streams of the Subclass 485 visa.
Health & Character
All applicants and included family members must meet Australian health and character requirements. Medical examinations and police clearances are required as part of the application.
English Requirement
Valid English test results must be provided. The test must have been taken within 1 year before lodgement. Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge C1 Advanced.
Visa Streams
Graduate Work Stream
Duration: 18 months. Requirement: Skills closely related to a skilled occupation; skills assessment required. Suitable for trade graduates and diploma-level qualifications. Occupation must appear on the Skilled Occupation List.
Post-Study Work Stream
Duration: Varies by qualification level (2–4 years). Requirement: Higher education qualification (Bachelor, Masters, or PhD). No occupation requirement. Available to first-time Australian graduates only with full unrestricted work rights.
How ABEE'S Consultancy Helps
Eligibility Assessment
We confirm your correct visa stream, verify Australian Study Requirement compliance, review English test validity, and identify any red-flag issues such as expired CoEs or incomplete course records.
Document Preparation
We prepare and organise all required documents including course completion evidence, transcripts, English results, skills assessment (if required), OSHC insurance, and health and character documents.
Lodgement Support
We lodge a complete and compliant application within the required timeframe, manage Department requests, and keep you informed at every stage through to visa grant and beyond.
Documents Required
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Course completion letter and official academic transcripts from your CRICOS-registered provider
- Valid English language test results taken within 1 year of lodgement (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Skills assessment outcome (Graduate Work Stream applicants only)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or equivalent health insurance policy
- Health examination results and police clearances for all applicants and included family members
Frequently Asked Questions
Duration depends on the stream. The Graduate Work Stream is valid for 18 months. The Post-Study Work Stream varies by qualification: typically 2 years for a Bachelor degree, 3 years for a Masters, and 4 years for a PhD. Regional study may grant an additional period through the Second Post-Study Work Stream.
Full unrestricted work rights are granted with the Subclass 485 visa. There are no limitations on employment hours, occupation type, or employer. You can work in any field, for any employer, for any number of hours during the entire visa validity period.
No. Completion is based on meeting the academic requirements of your course, not attending the graduation ceremony. A course completion letter and official transcript from your provider are sufficient evidence of course completion.